Sulfathiazole‐Nanosilver Conjugates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activities

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in a single step by mixing a mixture of sulfathiazole (SFT), AgNO 3 , and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as stabilizing agent. UV–visible spectra and transmission electron spectroscope indicated that SFT was effective for reducing Ag + ions to metallic silver. The SFT decreases the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of CTAB. To assess the effects of CTAB on the growth of AgNPs, the experiments were performed at different concentrations. The orange‐colored AgNPs conjugates were formed only at the CMC. UV–visible, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and XPS methods were used for the characterization of AgNPs. The effect of AgNPs on two humans bacterial (gram‐positive and gram ‐negative) growth kinetics was studied using the Gompertz method. The growth rates declined with increasing AgNPs concentration for Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). The bacteria cell died due to the dissolution of Ag + ions from the surface of the conjugates after the incorporation and/or complex formation between the AgNPs and bacterial cell membrane proteins. These nontoxic nanomaterials may be suitable for the design of new types of drug‐based bactericidal materials with proper surface‐active agents for the drug delivery at the target.